Our Core Purpose

Our core purpose is to offer Chicago families excellent and innovative school choices where their children thrive every day. Through a portfolio model of 14 schools managed by diverse operators, we serve 8,500 students and offer varied and high-quality options to Chicago families.

Our Vision

CICS will be a hub of excellence, equity, and innovation in Chicago education. Every student will flourish, every school will meet the unique needs of its community, and every success will improve our city and our world.

Our Mission

Our vibrant network of diverse Chicago charter schools enables students to thrive every day, puts them on a path to success in college and life, and empowers entrepreneurial educators to pursue excellence through innovation.

Our Commitment to Diversity and Equity

We are profoundly committed to ensuring that our schools serve as models of diversity, equity, and inclusion. Not only is it the right thing to do – it’s also the most effective way to advance racial and social justice. Because we live, learn and work in a diverse city and a diverse world, we value and expect cross-cultural competence and the continuous self-reflection and self-awareness it demands. Through our policies, practices, and attitudes, we cultivate a culture that prepares staff and students to respect, embrace, and champion diversity, equity, and inclusion within our schools and beyond them.

Our Values

Our values keep us honest, guiding every action we take to fulfill our vision and mission.